Assumptions - Internal mental processes can be studied through inference

Theoretical and Computer Models - Information processing approach, mind is likened to a computer and applied to AI

The Role of Schema - Innate or Learned Mental short-cut leads to perceptual errors Beliefs and expectation affect thoughts and behaviour

Emergence of Cognitive Neuroscience - Biological structures link to mental states Brain imaging used to read the brain

Credible basis due to lab experiments to produce reliable, objective data

Machine Reductionism (IND) - ignores the influence of emotion

Abstract and overly theoretical, artificial stimuli

IND - less deterministic than other approaches

Role of the Unconscious - The conscious of the mind is the 'tip of the iceberg'

Structure of Personality - Id, Ego and Superego
In constant conflict, ego protected by defence mechanisms (e.g. repression, denial, displacement)

Psychosexual Stages - Five stages, different conflict at each stage

Had/s a huge influence on psychology and Western thought

Unique and abnormal case studies, lack scientific rigour

Much of the theory is unfalsifiable and untestable, thus pseudoscientific

IND - psychic determinism denies our free will

Free Will - People are active agents who are self-determining

Self Actualisation - Everyone has an innate tendency to want to reach their potential

The Self, Congruence and Conditions of Worth - Personal growth requires congruence between self and ideal self

Heirachy of Needs - Maslow identified psych deficiency needs to be satisfied before safety and self-actualisation

IND - not reductionist, places importance on the whole person

Optimistic as sees people as basically good

IND - culturally biased to an individualist culture (Western)

Made of vague ideas that are abstract and difficult to test so the approach lacks evidence